I Love MCR: Initiatives and events to celebrate the city
18 Aug 2011
Marketing Manchester, Manchester Arndale and a number of other organisations in the city have launched an “I Love MCR” campaign in response to the recent disturbances in the city centre.
The campaign aims to show the world that the people of Manchester are proud of their city and united against anti-social behaviour. It centres on the iconic “I Love MCR” brand – which has become a symbol of the city’s resilience over the last two weeks.
The following events and initiatives associate with the campaign have been announced so far:
1. Free parking and transport
A range of transport initiatives have been unveiled by NCP, Metrolink and Manchester City Council to help visitors enjoy the city centre:
Parking
- Parking will be free for the next three Saturdays (20 August, 27 August and 3 September) in the High Street (Arndale) NCP car park between 6.30pm and 10pm - a saving of up to £6.90;
- Parking will be free for the next three Thursdays (18 August, 25 August and 1 September) in the Chester Street, Printworks and Salford Exchange NCP car parks between 4pm and 8pm;
- On-street parking will be free for the next three Thursdays from 4pm (18 August, 25 August and 1 September).
Metrolink
- Travel will be free between 10am and 6pm this Sunday (21 August) for up to two adults and two children using a voucher available from Travel for Greater Manchester and in Friday's edition of the Manchester Evening News.
2. Events
The I Love MCR campaign will run until the weekend of 2-4 September in three phases:
- Week 1 - Free Family Fun
Platform 4 (19-21 August)
FREE festival of outdoor events, featuring two amazing nights of spectacular aerial and circus shows in Castlefield Arena, and two fabulous days of music, dance and street theatre in the city centre.
- Week 2 - I Love MCR
Manchester Pride Big Weekend (26-29 August)
Vodafone VIP Live with Jenson Button racing down Deansgate (Bank Holiday Monday 29 August)
- Week 3 - MCR Loves You
Manchester businesses will provide offers, discounts, promotions and events for visitors.
3. Show your love for the city
A Facebook page has been set up for residents of Manchester to suggest ways to show their love for the city. Play your part in the campaign by posting suggestions or uploading photos at:
Watch out for further announcements on StaffNet News and eUpdate as the campaign unfolds.